The 25 Most Expensive Departures in Bundesliga History – Ranked from Lowest to Highest
The Bundesliga has long been a breeding ground for world-class football talent, producing some of the most exciting players in the game. Over the years, the league has seen its biggest stars move to Europe’s elite clubs for massive transfer fees. While Bundesliga clubs are known for their strong scouting networks and player development, they often operate on significantly lower budgets than the Premier League or La Liga, making their ability to generate high-value transfers even more impressive.
We have taken a closer look at the 25 most expensive sales in Bundesliga history, ranking them from lowest to highest. These moves not only highlight the league’s ability to nurture top talent but also its crucial role in shaping the global transfer market.
25. Joelinton – £36,975,000
In the summer of 2019, Newcastle United broke their transfer record to sign Joelinton from Hoffenheim. The Brazilian forward initially struggled in the Premier League but later reinvented himself as a dynamic midfielder, becoming a key player for the Magpies.
24. Granit Xhaka – £38,250,000
Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka left Borussia Mönchengladbach in 2016 to join Arsenal, bringing leadership and tenacity to the Gunners’ midfield. Despite a turbulent start, he played a crucial role in Arsenal’s resurgence under Mikel Arteta.
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23. Lucas Hernández – £38,250,000
After four seasons at Bayern Munich, Lucas Hernández moved to Paris Saint-Germain in 2023. The World Cup-winning defender struggled with injuries in Germany but remained a valuable asset due to his versatility and defensive strength.
22. Robert Lewandowski – £38,250,000
In 2022, Robert Lewandowski left Bayern Munich to join Barcelona after winning multiple Bundesliga titles and breaking numerous goal-scoring records. At Barcelona, he continued his prolific form, leading the club’s attack in the post-Messi era.
21. Matthijs de Ligt – £38,250,000
In 2024, Manchester United secured the signing of Matthijs de Ligt from Bayern Munich. The Dutch center-back had impressed in Germany but sought a new challenge in the Premier League, bringing his strength and composure to Old Trafford.
20. Sébastien Haller – £42,500,000
West Ham signed Sébastien Haller from Eintracht Frankfurt in 2019 after his impressive performances in the Bundesliga. However, he struggled to adapt to English football before reviving his career with successful spells at Ajax and Borussia Dortmund.
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19. Leroy Sané – £44,200,000
Schalke 04 sold Leroy Sané to Manchester City in 2016, where he became one of the Premier League’s most exciting wingers. His pace and dribbling ability made him a key player under Pep Guardiola, helping City dominate English football.
18. Timo Werner – £45,050,000
RB Leipzig’s prolific striker Timo Werner made a big-money move to Chelsea in 2020. While his goal-scoring record in England was inconsistent, his work rate and movement were valuable as Chelsea won the Champions League in 2021.
17. Moussa Diaby – £46,750,000
Aston Villa made a statement signing in 2023 when they brought Moussa Diaby from Bayer Leverkusen. The French winger added speed and attacking flair to the Premier League club as they aimed to establish themselves among England’s elite.
16. Dani Olmo – £46,750,000
After several successful years at RB Leipzig, Dani Olmo returned to Spain in 2024, joining Barcelona. His creativity and versatility made him an exciting addition to Xavi’s squad as the club looked to rebuild for future success.
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15. Naby Keïta – £51,000,000
Liverpool signed Naby Keïta from RB Leipzig in 2018, hoping he would become a dominant midfield presence. While injuries hampered his impact, he played an important role in Liverpool’s Premier League and Champions League-winning campaigns.
14. Christopher Nkunku – £51,000,000
Chelsea secured the signing of Christopher Nkunku from RB Leipzig in 2023 after he established himself as one of Europe’s most exciting attacking midfielders. His technical ability and goal-scoring threat made him a key addition to the Premier League side.
13. Erling Haaland – £51,000,000
Manchester City pulled off a massive coup in 2022 by signing Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund. The Norwegian striker wasted no time breaking goal-scoring records in England, cementing himself as one of the world’s best forwards.
12. Luka Jović – £53,550,000
Real Madrid signed Luka Jović from Eintracht Frankfurt in 2019 after his breakout season in the Bundesliga. However, the Serbian striker struggled to make an impact in Spain and eventually returned to Germany in search of form.
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11. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – £54,187,500
Arsenal secured the signing of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Borussia Dortmund in 2018, making him one of the Premier League’s most dangerous strikers. He won the Golden Boot and played a crucial role in Arsenal’s FA Cup triumph in 2020.
10. Christian Pulisic – £54,400,000
Chelsea signed Christian Pulisic from Borussia Dortmund in 2019, making him the most expensive American player ever. He played a key role in Chelsea’s 2021 Champions League victory, proving himself on the biggest stage.
9. Dominik Szoboszlai – £59,500,000
Liverpool brought Dominik Szoboszlai from RB Leipzig in 2023, adding creativity and energy to their midfield. The Hungarian international’s technical skill and goal-scoring ability made him an exciting signing for the Reds.
8. Omar Marmoush – £63,750,000
Manchester City secured the signing of Omar Marmoush from Eintracht Frankfurt in 2025 in a surprise move. The Egyptian forward’s speed and attacking instinct made him a valuable addition to Pep Guardiola’s squad.
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7. Kevin De Bruyne – £64,600,000
In 2015, Manchester City signed Kevin De Bruyne from Wolfsburg, a move that transformed their midfield. The Belgian became one of the Premier League’s greatest playmakers, leading City to multiple league titles.
6. Kai Havertz – £68,000,000
Bayer Leverkusen’s star midfielder Kai Havertz joined Chelsea in 2020, and he made an immediate impact by scoring the winning goal in the 2021 Champions League final. His versatility has made him a key figure in English football.
5. Jadon Sancho – £72,250,000
Borussia Dortmund sold Jadon Sancho to Manchester United in 2021 after he established himself as one of the Bundesliga’s brightest young talents. However, his time in England has been inconsistent, and he has struggled to replicate his Dortmund form.
4. Joško Gvardiol – £76,500,000
RB Leipzig’s defensive prodigy Joško Gvardiol moved to Manchester City in 2023 as one of the most expensive defenders ever. His composure on the ball and defensive intelligence made him a perfect fit for Guardiola’s system.
3. Randal Kolo Muani – £80,750,000
Paris Saint-Germain secured the signing of Randal Kolo Muani from Eintracht Frankfurt in 2023 after his rapid rise in the Bundesliga. His pace and finishing ability made him a highly sought-after forward.
2. Jude Bellingham – £96,050,000
Real Madrid signed Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund in 2023, making him one of the most expensive English players ever. His maturity, skill, and leadership in midfield have already justified his price tag at one of the biggest clubs in the world.
1. Ousmane Dembélé – £114,750,000
The most expensive sale in Bundesliga history remains Ousmane Dembélé’s 2017 move from Borussia Dortmund to Barcelona. The French winger’s time in Spain has been plagued by injuries, but his raw talent and dribbling ability continue to make him one of football’s most electrifying players.
